Idaho destined for new area code

Idaho’s “208” area code will run out of available numbers in mid-2018.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission says the proliferation of wireless telephones, new competitive phone companies, paging, and messaging services, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has contributed to an increased demand for new telephone numbers.

As a result, the agency that contracts with the federal government to administer the nation’s area code numbering has notified Idaho officials and telecommunications providers to begin planning for a new area code.

The PUC is being asked to begin a 16-month implementation period and will accept public comments until October 6.

Telecommunications providers are recommending the commission implement a “geographic overlay” of the new area code as opposed to a “geographic split”.

The overlay would superimpose the new area code over the entire state, but assign it only to new numbers. All existing customers would retain the “208” area code, but new customers would be required to begin 10-digit dialing for all calls. That would include the area code, prefix and four-digit number.

The geographic split would divide the state into two territories with the new area code assigned to one of them. The PUC said that option would not require ten-digit dialing within each area, but might require people who don’t want to pay long distance or roaming charges to change their telephone numbers.

According to the North American Plan Numbering Administrator, there are only 12 states left with one area code, but second area codes are being proposed in half those states, including Idaho, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Other states with one area code include Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Comments are accepted via e-mail through Oct. 6, 2015, by accessing the commission’s website at www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on “Case Comment Form,” under the “Consumers” heading. Fill in the case number (GNR-T-15-06) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-3762.